LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 264.1
Chapter 264.1. Sandalphon
Far from Hakata City lies a dense forest. Massive trees with trunks so thick that even ten adults could not encircle them stand tall, reaching dozens of meters into the sky. Being winter, their leaves have fallen, and their bare, towering forms evoke a profound sense of desolation.
Amid these imposing trees, an oddly white, massive trunk trembles. No, it doesn’t just tremble—it begins to move.
It starts walking, crushing nearby giant trees like matchsticks with loud cracks as it moves.
The figure is that of a colossal human clad in a toga. No, it’s more than human—it has pure white wings sprouting from its back like those of a swan, exuding an aura of divinity.
It is an angel. Its name is Sandalphon, a mighty angel reputed to seal God’s enemies and imprison them.
The giant’s features are stern and serious, its expression rigid and emitting an air of strictness.
“Hmm… The world is beautiful.”
From several dozen kilometers away, Sandalphon observed Hakata City. The angel’s eyes possess the ability to see great distances, ensuring that no demon escapes from the prison where they are sealed. Those eyes have been ceaselessly observing.
Humans endure the Stampede of monsters, striving to live with fleeting lives. Despite their fragile bodies, they do not give up in this world where survival should be almost impossible.
Moved by this, Sandalphon continued observing with a compassionate expression, feeling a desire to sing hymns of praise for humanity. At that moment, he watched a child trembling on the verge of death in an alleyway, receiving food and a blanket from a young girl.
This girl had been under Sandalphon’s observation for some time. She helped those in distress. When men stole the food she had painstakingly acquired, leaving families in despair, she kindly consoled them before confronting the men and scattering coins at them. Then, she would return with food once more.
There was no hint of calculated malice in her actions—only a pure heart. Yet, she was not entirely without flaws; she harbored a trace of wickedness. Perhaps she used that wickedness skillfully to act for the sake of saving others.
“Saints may be remarkable to angels, but to humans, they are often a curse. Because she is not a saint, she will likely save many people.”
Saints inspire the innocent, heal their spirits, and promise salvation in the afterlife. While that is admirable, saints do not save the bodies of those living in the now. Humans must strive to survive in this tangible world, Sandalphon thought.
In other words, humans should savor good food, sleep peacefully, and live happily with loved ones—a worldly philosophy. It was an unangelic way of thinking, but Sandalphon didn’t mind, knowing he was an artificial creation.
“At least I’m better than Metatron, who blindly worships humans as gods simply because they are our creators.”
Sandalphon mused with narrowed eyes.
“Humans have triumphed over the Stampede. Though I was ordered by Omoikane to stall for time, further action is unnecessary.”
He glanced at a tiny pile of crystals in his enormous hand. As the pile shifted with a scraping sound, a faint black aura drifted outward.
It was all Elemental Cores. Using these, Sandalphon had caused a massive number of dungeons to emerge, triggering the Stampede of monsters.
Though the highest-level dungeons he could create were only B-rank, they were a sufficient threat to the humans of this world.
Omoikane had commanded Sandalphon to stall Amano Sakimori, ensuring their movements were delayed. Though the task was distasteful for the Heavenly Machine Division, whose purpose was to protect humans, they could not defy their creator. Begrudgingly, they used Elemental Cores to commit the forbidden act of mass dungeon creation.
To their surprise, the humans quickly resolved the issue. Amano Sakimori remained in Hakata City, so Sandalphon monitored from a distance rather than directly observing him, predicting his actions.
The seemingly wicked man stayed in this land, likely to amass wealth and power—a plan Sandalphon understood could not be achieved through brute force or magic alone.
Humans negotiate and find compromises to pursue profit. These discussions take time. Without Sandalphon’s interference, Amano Sakimori would undoubtedly remain in the area for a while.
[Fortune, can you hear me? There’s no problem delaying here any longer. I intend to return now.]
As he sent a mental communication, Fortune immediately responded.
[Preparations are complete. The transfer inhibition barriers are in place. Along with Ares and Metatron, I will infiltrate Amatsugahara Corporation’s headquarters. This mission is sure to succeed.]
[I think it’s overkill, but understood. Shall I withdraw? You’re supposed to be the acting administrator under Omoikane’s command.]
Though their worlds differed, Sandalphon firmly resisted further attacks on humans he was meant to protect. Aware Omoikane might casually order more Stampedes, Sandalphon sought Fortune’s approval before leisurely returning to Hokkaido.
[Understood. I consider your mission completed, Sandalphon. You may retu—]
“No, no, no! You can’t just leave when things are getting interesting. Wouldn’t your creator be disappointed?”
“What?!”
The mental link abruptly cut off, and a light, teasing voice of a girl came from behind. Sandalphon quickly leaped forward, spinning to face the source.
His massive body toppled trees, sending up clouds of dust as birds and animals scattered in panic.
Narrowing his eyes, Sandalphon asked in a stern voice, still unsettled by the fact that his high-level detection skill hadn’t sensed anyone approaching.
“Who are you?! How did you get behind me?!”
The giant’s booming voice shook the branches, scattering dust with its vibrations.
“Hello, hello! Ehehe, did I scare you? Sorry about that~”